President Moon voices anger at defiant remarks by his predecessor

SEOUL, Jan. 18 (Aju News) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in voiced anger Thursday at provocative remarks from his conservative predecessor over a prosecution probe that spawned a political showdown.

Moon told a meeting of aides that he "cannot hide his anger" over what ex-president Lee Myung-bak said in a televised statement on Wednesday, according to the president's office. Lee slammed a widening investigation by state prosecutors into alleged wrongdoing under his tenure as political retaliation targeting him.

"Many people see the prosecution investigation as a political plot to wipe out conservative groups and also political retaliation for the death of former president Roh Moo-hyun," Lee said.

Lee served as president from 2008 to 2013 after succeeding Roh, a liberal leader who jumped from a mountain cliff behind his rural home in the southeastern city of Gimhae on May 23, 2009, following a humiliating probe by prosecutors into alleged corruption involving his family.

Moon refuted Lee's accusation as an "insult" to his administration because it gave an impression that the presidential office was pulling the wire from behind.

"That's is not only an insult to our government but also a denial of the judicial order," Moon was quoted as saying, accusing Lee of being against political morals. The liberal leader had worked as Roh's political soul mate and chief presidential aide.

Lee's statement came after two of his aides were arrested for taking money from the National Intelligence Service (NIS)

Lee has been mentioned as the next target of prosecution after his jailed successor, Park Geun-hye, who is on trial for her role in a corruption scandal. Prosecutors have raided the head office of DAS, an auto parts supplier for Hyundai Motor, to find evidence related to a secret fund allegedly stacked for Lee.

Civic group activists and outspoken lawyers claimed Lee is the real owner of DAS, which is controlled by his elder brother and produces seats and seat structures. There have been unconfirmed allegations that DAS embezzled company money and evaded taxes to create a slush fund worth 12 billion won.